| Morphometric differences between the placental vasculature of non-smokers, smokers and ex-smokers. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 2775688 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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The aim of this study was to determine whether cigarette smoking during pregnancy has an adverse effect upon the placenta's capacity for gaseous exchange. Using recently developed stereological techniques, in conjunction with perfusion fixation, computer-assisted measurements were made on the placentas of 15 non-smokers, 15 moderate smokers, 15 heavy smokers and 13 ex-smokers, 7 of whom stopped smoking during the course of the pregnancy. Compared with the placentas of non-smokers and of those who stopped before pregnancy, it was found that the placentas of smokers and of those who stopped after conception exhibited a reduced capillary volume fraction, and an increased thickness of the villous membrane. Although they must impair gaseous exchange across the placenta, these changes were less severe than suggested by previously published reports. Nonetheless it is clear that in order to prevent these changes women should stop smoking before conception rather than during the course of a pregnancy. To learn more about the mechanism of action whereby cigarette smoking leads to a significant reduction in birth weight, computer-assisted measurements were made of the affects of cigarette smoking on placental structure. The study sample included 15 non-smokers, 15 moderate (1-15 cigarettes/day) smokers), 15 heavy (over 15 cigarettes/day) smokers, and 13 ex-smokers, 7 of whom stopped smoking during the index pregnancy. Mean cigarette consumption was 9.3/day in the moderate smoker group and 22.2/day in the heavy smoker group. Pre-conceptional ex-smokers stopped, on average, 13 weeks before conception, while post-conception ex-smokers stopped, on average, 12 weeks after conception. There was no significant difference in birthweight between offspring of non-smokers, moderate smokers, and ex-smokers; however, the infants of heavy smokers were significantly smaller. The terminal villi from all subjects, even women who smoked 30 cigarettes/day, showed large dilated fetal capillaries, with smooth luminal outlines, and no evidence of widespread trophoblastic damage. In terms of placental vasculature, the only significant finding was a slight reduction in the capillary volume fraction in women who had smoked at any stage of pregnancy compared to non-smokers or women who quit smoking before conception. In addition, the villous membrane was significantly thicker among smokers and post- conception stoppers compared to women in the other 2 groups. These findings suggest a less severe effect on the placental vasculature than reported earlier; however, the increased thickness of the villous membrane of smokers observed in this study could compromise gas transfer to the fetus and thus cause growth retardation. |
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Authors:
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G J Burton; M E Palmer; K J Dalton |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
Journal Detail:
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Title: British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Volume: 96 ISSN: 0306-5456 ISO Abbreviation: Br J Obstet Gynaecol Publication Date: 1989 Aug |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 1989-10-20 Completed Date: 1989-10-20 Revised Date: 2006-11-15 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 7503752 Medline TA: Br J Obstet Gynaecol Country: ENGLAND |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 907-15 Citation Subset: AIM; IM; J |
Affiliation:
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Department of Anatomy, University of Cambridge. |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Adult Capillaries / pathology Chorionic Villi / pathology Female Humans Placenta / blood supply*, metabolism Pregnancy Pregnancy Complications / pathology* Smoking / adverse effects, pathology* |
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